Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$10 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 12 December 2025. Link to Social Shifters
awards/prizes
Imagine H2O — Water-Technology Startups Asia
Imagine H2O seeks innovative water solutions from anywhere in the world. Any company offering solutions for water access, safety, resilience, or efficiency is welcome to apply. Selected candidates will have access to a network of industry executives, experts, and entrepreneurs and showcase their ideas during a week-long boot camp at the Water Innovation Week. Participants will receive cash awards and in-kind donations from strategic partners. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information, visit the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program
Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2026
Nominations are open for the annual Global Water Awards 2026. Global Water Intelligence seeks technologies, plants, projects, and companies that make significant contributions to the development of the water sector. Focus areas include water or wastewater treatment, water conservation and management, ecologically sustainable industry technologies, and commercial solutions, among others. Nominations are open to everyone (including individuals, companies, organizations, or initiatives etc.). Nominations close on 27 February 2026. Find the call
Action for Nature — International Young Eco-Hero Awards 2026
This program honors the work of young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who have completed successful projects in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research, and protection of the natural world. The selected individuals are awarded a cash prize (US$500) and certificate, as well as public recognition. The annual competition is open internationally. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Become an Eco-Hero
Imagine H2O — Accelerator Program 2026
Imagine H2O seeks innovative water solutions from anywhere in the world. Any company offering solutions for water access, safety, resilience, or efficiency is welcome to apply. Selected candidates will have access to a network of industry executives, experts, and entrepreneurs and showcase their ideas during a week-long boot camp at the Water Innovation Week. Participants will receive cash awards and in-kind donations from strategic partners. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information, visit the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program
WASCAL – Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy
The West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) provides grants of up to €20 thousand for individuals, groups or registered organizations in West Africa. The call aims to foster and support the implementation of innovative projects in renewable energy and green hydrogen. Any individual or group of young people from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo is eligible. The current application deadline is 31 December 2025. Link to more information
ChallengeUS — Future Leaders Competition
The Future Leaders Competition invites high-school and undergraduate students worldwide to submit original work (creative writing, analytical writing, speech, or art) reflecting on a key moment or insight that shapes how they approach climate action. The competition awards a top prize of US$500, along with recognition, publication, and inclusion in the Future Leaders Network. The call closes on 16 January. Details
World Press Photo — Visual Journalism and Stories Awards 2026
The World Press Photo Contest recognizes the best visual journalism and awards visual stories in eight categories, including Environment and Nature. The award winners will receive €5 thousand each. The prize-winning photographs will be assembled into a worldwide year-long exhibition. The contest is only open to professional photographers. Entries close on 17 January 2026. World Press Photo Awards
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation — Prize for Climate Action
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation seeks nominations for the 2025 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. The 6th edition of the Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to climate action and climate solutions that inspire hope and possibility. The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in the amount of €1 million, aims to strengthen communities facing the effects of climate change, helping them to adapt and build resilience at a local level. Individuals, groups or organizations from all over the world can be nominated. The nomination deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
European Landowners’ Organization — Land and Soil Management Award
The Land and Soil Management Award rewards land use and soil management practices mitigating soil threats i.e. soil degradation, erosion, reduction of organic matter content, diffuse contamination, and compaction as well as the reduction of soil biodiversity, salinization, sealing, flooding, and landslides. The winning project receives €5 thousand. Eligibility extends to farmers, landowners, and groups of farmers, on their own or in collaboration with research institutes, universities, and/or private companies. The call is open to applicants from all European countries. The call for applications closes on 30 January 2026. Land and Soil Management Award